I recently attended a memorial service for a man I’ve known for more than 30 years. After battling an extended illness, he finally passed away at only 63 years old. He left a beautiful wife behind who was sad to see him go but is thankful he is no longer suffering. His family spoke of loving memories from his life but none of them complained about where he is now. They are reassured he is resting in the arms of JESUS and will never want for anything except to see them come to be with him when it’s their time. You see, the service wasn’t about mourning his death but a celebration of his victory! “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:55-57 KJV).
As more of my Christian friends have passed away in recent years it makes me homesick. What do you mean, you are retired and live at home now? I’m talking about my heavenly home, JESUS has prepared and place for me (John 14:2), “that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3 KJV) and I’m ready to move in! You can’t possibly mean that because you will have to die! Have you not read “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV)? I’m ready to gain!
Yes, I understand the first part of Phil 1:21 says “to live is Christ” and though I’m ready to go, I also understand “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49 KJV) and so until I am called home, “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42 KJV). That’s why I will keep loving the LORD with my all and my neighbor as myself (Mat 22:37 and 39). I do that by sharing the Good News that “JESUS loves you” “in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8 KJV). I understand that to mean, in my community, city, state, country and overseas via social media. I hope you will join me!
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!